Iran is frustrated and withdraws from the BRICS joint military exercise at South Africa's request!
January 14, AFP reported: "Iran, which has already arrived in port, withdrew from the BRICS maritime joint exercise at South Africa's request, and was downgraded to an observer status. Some analysts say that with the tense relations between the US and Iran, South Africa's move is to avoid escalating its relationship with the US. South Africa is making every effort to get the US to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to maintain its preferential trade status. The US is closely watching the exercises, and South Africa is caught in a diplomatic dilemma, reluctantly refusing Iran. So far, China, Russia, and Iran have not made any response."
[Cunning] South Africa persuaded Iran to withdraw from the BRICS military exercises, which is a pragmatic balance in a multi-polar game, revealing the diplomatic difficulties of small countries. On one hand, there is the friendship among BRICS partners and the established arrangements for the military exercises, with Iranian warships already having arrived in port; on the other hand, the tension in the relationship with the US, AGOA trade preferences are crucial for people's livelihood and employment, and the US is also pressuring through the exercises. Looking back, South Africa has always pursued an independent foreign policy and maintained neutrality in great power games. Now, however, it is caught in a dilemma due to its economic weaknesses. This move, although showing policy lag, is a无奈 choice after weighing pros and cons. Its predicament is a microcosm of many countries during the transition period between unipolarity and multipolarity. Only by strengthening its own strength and broadening cooperation channels can a country gain more diplomatic initiative!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854272087297031/
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